Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2021 i Country Homes & Interiors

Autumn is my favourite season. I love the crispness of the air, the scent of woodsmoke, the soft light and, most of all, the glorious colour of the turning leaves. The drift from green to gold, through to rich red and russet brown, is just a joy. This issue aims to capture that beauty, with a glorious garden filled with fiery foliage (page 118), a stunning decorating story inspired by autumn’s tones and textures (page 72) and gorgeous buys in our Things That Make Us Happy edit – I’ve fallen for the Emma Bridgewater plates (page 13). This issue also sees the launch of our Country House furniture collection, in partnership with upholsterers John Sankey. The company has been hand-crafting exceptional furniture in its Derbyshire workshop for more than 60…

Visit… ‘Wallingford, a medieval town full of character with the Lamb Arcade market for antique and vintage pieces. I’ve bought many treasures from here.’ Shop at… ‘Mr and Mrs Parks Butchers (mrandmrsparks.co.uk) in nearby Cholsey, for good British meat as well as condiments, pies and cakes. And Keri The Florist (wallingford flowers.co.uk) is my go-to for fresh flowers.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The tapas wine bar Le Clos (leclos.uk) and Shellfish Cow (shellfishcow. co.uk), a restaurant serving shellfish and steaks. Also, The Beetle and Wedge (beetleandwedge.co.uk), a wonderful riverside pub.’…

Visit... ‘All my houseplants come from The Glasshouse at Sutton Valence. It’s a fantastic social enterprise, giving prisoners a chance to gain a horticultural qualification. It’s an amazing place to visit, quite humbling and unique. Check opening times and buy plants online at theglasshouse.co.uk.’ Shop at... ‘@One in Wadhurst (at-one.co.uk) is my go-to place locally for homeware, gifts, soft furnishings and jewellery. Everything is design-led and unique, I can spend hours there and always come out with something I love.’ Go for a meal at... ‘The Chequers (chequerslamberhurst.com) in Lamberhurst is a fantastic pub that has been taken on by two local families. It has been lovingly restored and it’s in the heart of the village community. All the food is made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and the whole…

Visit… ‘At this time of year I like to take the children to Secretts Farm (secretts.co.uk) for a day of pumpkin picking. We also like to go for walks at Hankley Common. Watts Gallery (wattsgallery.org.uk) is a treat too, they always have lots going on there, plus a lovely cafe and gardens.’ Shop at… ‘Wattle and Daub (wattleanddaubhome.co.uk) in Godalming is lovely. Another shop that always catches my eye is Arthouse Unlimited (arthouseunlimited.org) – the windows are always so colourful. It’s a charity that presents the artistic talents of adults with learning and physical difficulties.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The White Horse (whitehorsepub. net) in Hascombe or The Horse Guards Inn (thehorseguardsinn.co.uk) in Tillington. It also has a beautiful interiors cabin, only open on Sundays.’…

Visit… ‘The beach at Holkham for its vast, unspoilt stretches of sand, ancient pine woods and sense of space.’ Shop at… ‘Holt Antiques & Interiors Centre (holtantiques andinteriors.co.uk ) because I always find something interesting, from small antiques and furniture to garden things and local crafts.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Hero (theheroburnhamovery. co.uk) a pub in the nearby village of Burnham Overy Staithe for its delicious, locally sourced food and relaxed, welcoming feel.’…

Anyone that makes a cosmetic product – that is, a formulation which comes into contact with the hair or skin – is legally required to ensure it meets requirements before it can be marketed in the UK or further afield. A regulatory consultancy is able to guide manufacturers through the process needed to gain an essential Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR): this is an assessment which checks for full compliance with current cosmetic regulations, and safety. FIRST THINGS FIRST One such consultancy is Medic Pro which offers analytical testing, and provides expert advice and step-by-step video courses. ‘For instance, before we can provide a CPSR quote we must know exactly what ingredients are in a product’s formula, so we offer detailed guidance on how best to gather all this information…

LIFETIME SIMPLICITY Tall, dark and handsome with its chalky black tones, this looker contrasts well against a neutral background. Features include full width hanging space, room for shoes at the bottom and a handy drawer for chunky knits. Chantilly double wardrobe in Dusky Black, H190xW111xD58cm, £699, Cotswold Company RAVISHING RATTAN Add a natural flourish in the bedroom with this playful muse. Featuring shapely front panels in woven rattan, tonal blush drawers and a rich wood design frame, this magical materials mix-up stands tall and tactile. Elba wardrobe, H190xW100x D52cm, £995, Oliver Bonas FUNCTIONAL STORAGE Characterised by textured reed detailing on each door, this Danish diva brings a tactile finish to any space. A slim silhouette with two drawers and a deep-bottomed dresser provides plentiful storage without taking up a large…

After living in the local market town, Helen and Jens Hucke opted to move to the countryside in search of more space to enjoy with their young son, Finn – and two dogs, three ponies and two goats. Set in seven acres with landscaped gardens, a natural lake and paddocks for the ponies, the four-bedroom house itself is full of period character, including exposed beams and original fireplaces. ‘We could see it would make a wonderful family home – and we were right,’ says Helen. ‘Finn just lives in his shorts and wellies and has fantastic freedom.’ First, though, estate agent Helen and Jens, who designs and makes electric guitars, decided to renovate the kitchen. ‘The existing room was charming, but small,’ recalls Helen. ‘I think a house needs one…

POULET VALLEE D’AUGE This classic from Normandy is the quintessential ‘treat for two’ – the sort of dish that would be impractical to serve to guests, and a bit too special for family eating. With its touch of drama (cue flames) it would make the perfect main course for a romantic supper. SERVES 2 40g butter 2 small eating apples, peeled, cored and each sliced into 8 crescents 1 shallot, sliced 2 boneless chicken breast fillets, preferably skin-on 4tbsp brandy or calvados 100ml chicken stock 100ml crème fraîche or double cream A squeeze of lemon juice Finely chopped fresh parsley, to finish 1 Put half the butter in a large lidded frying pan, heat until foaming then tip in the apples. Season and fry over a medium-high heat for 7-10…

• Clear, define and dig over the allocated knot garden space. • Draw a symmetrical geometric image and scale up to fit your space. • Use two colours of spray paint to mark out the design on the ground. • Choose your plant material, traditionally box, Buxus sempervirens. Ilex crenata is a disease-resistant alternative. • Calculate the amount of plants required: 4-5 per metre, planted 25cm apart. Plant bare-root in winter, container plants in summer. • Grade plants by height, selecting taller ones for the ‘ups’, shorter ones for the ‘downs’ and mid-height for the middles. • Plant the ‘ups’ first, by making a bridge and then butt up the ‘unders’ at 90 degrees, keep strictly to the design. Infill and join up the design with the mid heights. • Trim initially to exaggerate the ‘ups’ and ‘unders’…

“ INVITING GOOD FRIENDS OVER FOR KITCHEN SUPPERS, THEN LATE NIGHT CHATS SAT BESIDE DANCING FLAMES ”…

Liz’s style tip... SOFTEN A MODERN SPACE AND GIVE IT AN AIR OF RUSTIC GRACE WITH A FEW CAREFULLY CHOSEN ANTIQUE FINDS…

Molly’s style tip... MIX GENTLE PASTEL SHADES WITH DRAMATIC JEWEL TONES FOR A TRANSITIONAL SCHEME FULL OF ALLURING DEPTH…

Bonnie’s style tip... GIVE YOUR SPACE HUNKER-DOWN APPEAL WITH A VARIETY OF NATURAL MATERIALS AND CHUNKY, ENDURING TEXTURES…

Katy’s style tip... ADD TEXTURE AND CHARACTER WITH TONGUE-AND-GROOVE WALL PANELLING PAINTED IN A BREEZY NEUTRAL…

When Julia Roberts was a little girl, she would often visit the beach with her granny and three siblings, singing a made-up song on the way. ‘It was about the yellow gorse we always passed,’ she recalls. ‘Even now, whenever I see it, I’m instantly reminded of those happy times we had together.’ It’s no surprise, then, that when the seeds for her wellbeing enterprise, Yellow Gorse, were first sown many years ago, naming it after the evergreen shrub was an obvious choice for her. ‘It grows prolifically in this area through the year, and looks and smells so uplifting; it seemed a really good fit,’ she explains as she stands in her scent-filled store in the lovely seaside town of Swanage in Dorset. Getting to this point has taken…

MAKE IT COUNTRY Globally derived and bursting with intricate details that honour traditional craftsmanship and techniques, block-print inspired designs enliven interiors with relaxed bohemian spirit. Worldly pattern repeats celebrate the mark of the maker in an artistic love story that is adventurous and connected in cultural appeal. Be imaginative, embrace relaxed living and champion the unique. OUR EXPERT SAYS… “ MIX PATTERNS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE AND EMBELLISH YOUR SCHEME WITH A MIX OF NATURAL MATERIALS, FADED FINISHES AND TACTILE TRIMMINGS” HOLLY PHILLIPS, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR…

OPEN AND SHUT CASE Open plan is still very popular, but it can cause problems for storage. Rows of built-in cupboards will make the space seem smaller and darker. To avoid this, find a gentle balance between cabinets with doors and open shelving. Consider what the purpose of the units is and what you will need to house in them, as this will dictate the shape and size of the cabinets and shelving. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS ‘Storage is a key consideration for us when designing any interior,’ says designer Emma Sims-Hilditch. Here, a clever mix of built-in storage options provided total flexibility, as the closed cabinetry allows the space to stay uncluttered. ‘The shelving offers a great opportunity to be creative with styling, displaying a variety of artwork, books…

PEACEFUL SLUMBER Fancy neutral hues and lightweight fabric in your bedroom but are concerned about morning light waking you? Loom & Last offers blackout lining on its ready-made and made-to-measure collections, so you can snooze soundly. Find plain or striped cottons with eyelets and pencil pleats in the ready-made range, or a wider choice of fabrics and headings in the made-to-measure collection. 1 FRESH AND WILD If you’re opting for country florals when having your curtains made, give them a fresh, modern look by adding the element of surprise with a contrasting print on the reverse. ‘When mixing and matching prints in a scheme, it’s vital they are in the same complementary colour palette to ensure harmony throughout,’ says Yasmin Smith, Head of Design, Blendworth. 2 TOP OR TAIL If…

1 ISLAND By including a 300mm countertop overhang on two sides, it is possible to fit up to six bar chairs around it, which works well when family and friends come over for Jens’ legendary Japanese nights, when he serves homemade sushi and sashimi. The 3x1.2m island includes plenty of prep and serving space, as well as lots of storage. A wine cooler fitted below the counter on the working side of the island makes it easy to reach for drinks to serve to guests. 2 DRESSER A dresser in the living area is designed to match the kitchen cabinetry, linking the two spaces and providing storage for glassware and china, as well as room for displays. With glass shelves and integrated lighting, the glazed cabinets add a touch of…

LIKE NONNA MAKES For over 50 years, The Silver Spoon books have been teaching the world to cook. The latest is The Italian Bakery, with 140 tantalising recipes and over 400 step-by-step images. Find traditional recipes alongside gluten-free, dairy-free and speedy bakes, £35, phaidon.com. Always and forever Named a ‘kitchen magician’ by Oprah Winfrey, The Always Pan (£140, fromourplace.co.uk) is a culinary multi-tasker – deep enough for pasta but shallow enough to fry in. It also has a built-in rest for your spatula, plus a colander, and comes in a multitude of colours. Its creator, Shiza Shahid, is former CEO of the Malala Fund and was named one of Time magazine’s 30 under 30 world changers. But it’s her upbringing in Pakistan, where home cooking is a part of the…

There’s a crispness bookending the day now, accompanied by a crunch underfoot as the leaves begin their gentle twirl to the ground, forming a carpet of gold, warm ochre and burnt orange. Out for a walk, wellies scrunch and push through waist-high stands of golden bracken. Hedgerows are filled with tufts of old man’s beard, and ruby berries fill branches where hawthorn blossom once flourished. The first fires are lit on cold evenings and the scent of woodsmoke fills the air. To welcome the darkening evenings and the closing in of October, this striking design celebrates the colour and beauty of autumn foliage. Sweetly scented, ripening golden quince combined with curling bracken and the hint of dry asparagus fern spangled with red berries makes for a simple but dramatic display…

WHAT TO PICK, SEE & DO Forage... for rosehips and make a rosehip syrup to keep winter colds at bay. Sow… hardy annual seeds for next year’s crop of beautiful blooms. Learn...rag rug making, on a course from Curious House at The Bell in Ticehurst on 4 and 5 October, £220, curioushouse.net. Enjoy... a two-hour trip on the Churnet Valley steam railway, churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk. RECYCLED RAINCOATS Ideal for splashing in puddles, these watertight (PFC free) kids’ raincoats are made from recycled plastic bottles, and lined with organic Fairtrade cotton, so little ones will stay snug when caught in a shower or a downpour. Not only that, there’s eight different designs which include rockets, bears and floating balloons, £49, Little Green Radicals PLANT POWER Staying hydrated is important for health,…

“ A PALETTE OF NEUTRAL TONES AND PALE BLUE CONNECTS THE NEW AND OLDER PARTS OF THE HOUSE ” I really couldn’t have created such a lovely interior without them,’ proclaims Liz Vallance of her charming Oxfordshire home, which has been cleverly enhanced by the skills of her interior designer mother, Jean George, and furniture- maker brother, Robert George. Keeping it in the family clearly made sense when it came to the design transformation of what was once a very modest 16th-century farmhouse into the sumptuous space it is today. ‘My mother runs her own design business (jeangeorgeinteriors.co.uk), and she was my sounding board when it came to layouts, then later on when choosing colours, fabrics and furniture,’ says Liz. ‘Mum sorted the position of the woodburning stove and the…

Visit… Chapman’s Pool (southwestcoastpath.org.uk) on the Isle of Purbeck is the most beautiful horseshoe-shaped cove on the Jurassic coastline with amazing views from the top of the surrounding cliffs.’ Go for a meal at… ‘Java Independent Coffee House in Swanage (@javaindependant coffeehouse). I love this local little café’s quirky vibe, delicious fresh vegan food – and the best coffee!’ Shop at… ‘Bridport in West Dorset is a wonderful eclectic town (visit-dorset.com). I love the art and vintage quarter on St Michael’s Trading Estate – there’s always something to tempt you!’…

NEST BY THE FIRE Create a soulful seating area to lounge, read and watch flames flicker. Bobbin armchairs are dressed up in velvet and tweed, while woven accessories add contrasting texture. NATURAL SHELTER Embrace the advance of autumn by styling an outdoor dining terrace (cosy blankets required). Soften rustic and refined woods with cushions and foliage fabrics. Beautiful basics SIMPLE PIECES STORED IN A BEAUTIFUL CABINET MAKE THE PERFECT HOMEWARE COUPLING. MIX EARTHY POTTERY AND WOODEN PLATTERS IN ELEGANT ARRANGEMENTS MAKER’S MARK Artisan lighting and vessels with organic finishes make a striking addition to the scheme. Place against woven wallpaper to show their shapes to best effect. Encourage creativity AN ARTFULLY ARRANGED WORKSPACE INSPIRES PLANS AND STEADIES ‘TO-DO’ LISTS. CHOOSE SENSORY ACCESSORIES SUCH AS INCENSE AND CANDLES TO ENERGISE THE…

USE PAINT TO FRAME ARTWORK A dark, inky backdrop or rich, bold colour such as teal or burgundy can work just as well as plain white to showcase paintings. Another way to highlight your artwork is by painting a box or area around a single focal piece or a small gallery. It creates the effect of an external mount or frame, so pick a colour that echoes the collection or complements it. GIVE PROTECTION It’s always worth taking artwork to a framer – as well as ensuring it will be properly sealed and mounted, their well-trained eye will help you pick the right style and size frame to complement your picture, and the correct mount and colour to bring it to life. Federica Barretta, director of Opera Gallery London advises:…

FABRIC SELECTION Consider the style and period of your home, as well as the other colours, textures and patterns in the room. ‘The best colour for curtains is at least one shade lighter or darker than the walls,’ says fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott. CHOOSE YOUR HEADING Eyelets or pencil pleats are standard on ready-made curtains, so a decorative heading on made-to-measure curtains suggests quality, whatever your fabric. Choose from double and triple pleats, flop-over-frills or informal gathers. MEASURING UP First decide how high above the window you’d like your curtains to start. Ideally, your curtain pole should sit at least 15cms above the top of the window and extend 30cm at each side to maximise light. Fit the pole before ordering your curtains. SELECT THE LINING Lining your curtains will…

CONSTRUCTION  Luxbuild CABINETRY Inframe oak kitchen furniture painted in Mussel and Carbon with solid oak dovetail drawer boxes, kitchen prices from £20,000, Truman Kitchens APPLIANCES Similar range cooker, Everhot 100+, from £8,450, Everhot. PUE611BB1E induction hob, £579, Bosch. D51NAA1COB integrated extractor hoods, £119 each, Neff. RIL1796 integrated larder fridge, £858; RIF1796 integrated freezer, £879; WI3126 wine cooler, £670; Di652 fully integrated dishwasher; all Caple SURFACES Carrara Extra quartz surface worktops, £4,500, Truman Kitchens. Similar vinyl flooring, Van Gogh Walnut VGW87T, £37.99sq m, Karndean. Walls in Skimming Stone modern emulsion, £53 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball SINKS AND TAPS Flex 3-in-1 tap in polished chrome, £1,150, Quooker. Fiji 150 undermounted sink in Polar White, £502, Carron ACCESSORIES Admiral Wingback bar stools, £160 each; Leo matt gold pendant lights 5 string, £1,200,…

GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA HOUSE The festival may be over but it’s still worth visiting to see performances of Fidelio, Don Pasquale and The Rake’s Progress throughout October, glyndebourne.com CHARLESTON The legacy of the Bloomsbury Set lives on in a year-round programme of exhibitions and events at the house that Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant turned into a living work of art, charleston.org.uk FIRLE PLACE Fans of Jane Austen’s Emma won’t want to miss a trip to this country estate, which featured as Hartfield in the latest film adaptation directed by Autumn de Wilde, released last year, firle.com…